August is a hard month. This time last year, I was slowly saying goodbye to my Dad. Days felt slow. Long. Painful. But joy was found as well. I spent almost every day with him and my Mom that month, laughing together, remembering together, being together. It's a gift of time God gave me that I'll always cherish.

​As I navigate through the memory of last year, I'm trying to focus my attention on the present. I've been writing more than I have in years. I've found motivation in unusual places. And I've rediscovered a passion for words I thought I lost. August, last year you kicked my butt. This year? I'm kicking yours.

Here's a bit of what I've been up to this summer and what I'm currently working on/enjoying:

Celebrated both my birthday and Alejandro's birthday, as well as our 8-year anniversary. Enjoyed one of my favorite meals at one of our favorite local Italian restaurants. Eating, drinking, and talking for hours = perfection. Especially when it includes spaghetti bolognese.

Played with my childhood best friend, who came to visit with her husband and daughter. To have her here is soul-nurturing.

Spent July 4th with said BFF and family at Disneyland. (I'm not crazy. You're crazy.)

Celebrated my Mom's 70th in Newport Beach with Alejandro, my brother, sister-in-law, and niece. Bittersweet for sure, but we had a blast.

Seeking quotes from book editors for MARKED. It's a story/novel I'd love to revisit. But each time I do, I'm left discouraged and frustrated. I NEED HELP. And thankfully, there are professionals out there who can.

Cooking all day everyday. August is a frugal month for us, so we've been eating all our meals in. Which means I'm baking more than ever before. (Sugar and carbs help soften the blow of no In-n-Out for a month, no?)

Thank you for sharing to us how your summer season went so far. I see that you're quite busy being a mom, but still manages to do things that make you happy. That's what we call perfect balancing of things! In life, we don't need to give our utmost focus on a certain thing. Once you're matured enough, you will realize that knowing how to balance things is everything. Keep doing stuff that you love but make sure that you don't run away from your responsibilities!